HB 2043: Criminal Mischief; Vandalism; Egging; Property Offense; Crime
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: House
- Latest Version Date: 2026-01-23
Current Status:
Failed
(2026-01-28: Referred to JHA, referral sheet 3)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
What does this bill do?
The bill creates a new petty misdemeanor called “criminal mischief” that applies to people who vandalize or tamper with someone else’s property, such as egging or graffiti. It covers acts done on purpose, knowingly, or recklessly that cause cost or major inconvenience to the owner, or that put markings on property without permission, and excludes damage by fire.
The summary is provided by generative AI which can make mistakes. For original language, please view the details in the table below.
Establishes the offense of criminal mischief as a petty misdemeanor for low level property offenses.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2043 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to criminal mischief.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that existing criminal law makes it difficult to prosecute certain low level property offenses such as egging, graffiti, and vandalism. Instances such as these often do not have an established property value damage as determined by HRS 708-801. Nevertheless, these instances should not leave victims without recourse. Other jurisdictions have addressed this issue by creating a separate offense for so-called, "criminal mischief". This offense considers both pecuniary loss as well as substantial inconvenience to the property owner. Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish the offense of criminal mischief.
SECTION 2. Chapter 708, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§708- Criminal Mischief. (1) A person commits the offense of criminal mischief if by means other than fire, the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly:
(a) Tampers with the tangible property of another without the other's consent and causes pecuniary loss or substantial inconvenience to the other or a third person; or
(b) Makes markings, including inscriptions, slogans, drawings, or paintings, on the tangible property of another without the other's consent.
(2) Criminal mischief is a petty misdemeanor."
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
Criminal Mischief; Vandalism; Egging; Property Offense; Crime
Description:
Establishes the offense of criminal mischief as a petty misdemeanor for low level property offenses.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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Date
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Status
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| Jan 28, 2026 | Referred to JHA, referral sheet 3 |
| Jan 26, 2026 | Introduced and Pass First Reading. |
| Jan 23, 2026 | Pending introduction. |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):
